‘Star Wars’ Cinematographer Gilbert Taylor Dies at 99

Sad news to report…Gilbert Taylor, the world-renowned cinematographer who shot an incredible array of classic films including Dr. Strangelove, The Omen, Frenzy, A Hard Day’s Night, and Star Wars, died at the age of 99 on Friday surrounded by his family.

Perhaps best known for his work on Star Wars, Taylor had a contentious relationship with director George Lucas. In an interview with The ASC, Taylor had this to say about Lucas: “George avoided all meetings and contact with me from day one, so I read the extra-long script many times and made my own decisions as to how I would shoot the picture. I took it upon myself to experiment with photographing the lightsabers and other things onstage before we moved on to our two weeks of location work in Tunisia.” Taylor also disagreed about Lucas’ desire to use heavy filtration, winning the battle when 20th Century Fox backed him up.

In addition to his memorable work on Star Wars, I’ve found a few clips that, for me, are just as iconic.

Desi Jedeikin

Desi Jedeikin is a Los Angeles based writer and performer. She has appeared in numerous sketch comedy/improv shows at venues in L.A., including the Groundlings Theater, Comedy Central Stage, and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater, where she played Squeaky Fromme in the infamous alternative comedy show Comedy Death Ray. Unfinished projects include a memoir and a musical based on the life and death of JonBenet Ramsey. She has lots of other brilliant ideas she might complete. She really just needs more encouragement.
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